The New York Mets have officially hired experienced baseball man Jim Riggleman as bench coach to young manager Mickey Callaway.
The frontrunner for the job secured it with a nice bow on Monday afternoon.
The New York Mets have officially hired experienced baseball man Jim Riggleman as their bench coach.
Jon Heyman of Fancred reported it slightly before the organization did on its official Twitter account.
Mets hire jim Riggleman as bench coach
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 27, 2018
Please join us in welcoming our new bench coach, Jim Riggleman. #Mets pic.twitter.com/r4cQLJDYAp
— New York Mets (@Mets) November 27, 2018
Riggleman, 66, is the literal definition of a “baseball lifer.” He is coming off his fifth managerial stint, albeit in an interim role. Riggleman took the helm of the Cincinnati Reds dugout when manager Bryan Price was fired in the middle of April of last season. Cincy has decided to go in another direction entirely.
Previously, Riggleman managed the Washington Nationals from 2009-11, Seattle Mariners in 2008, Chicago Cubs from 1995-99, and San Diego Padres from 1994-94. His career record stands at an unflattering 726-904.
The idea is to bring in a veteran baseball man (especially NL familiar) who could mesh well with the younger Mickey Callaway, who, at times, looked lost during his rookie season.
Gary DiSarcina was Callaway’s bench coach a year ago. The Mets reassigned him to third base when new general manager Brodie Van Wagenen made it clear he wanted an older baseball man alongside the younger dugout leader.
Riggleman’s best season happened all the way back in 1998. He managed the Cubs to a crisp 90-73, barely missing out on the postseason. His last permanent managerial job came back with the Nationals. He resigned mid-season (June) amid a crisis of respect despite his team playing at a high level.
